The world of work is changing rapidly thanks to the rate of digital transformation. The essential skills required five to 10 years ago across major industries are no longer relevant and an estimated 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven't even been invented yet.
In order to thrive in the future of work, careers must be built on core digital and tech competencies. Tech skills are not just about software developers or computer hardware specialists anymore. Most people entering the workforce will need some degree of digital and technical skills to simply perform in their jobs.
Some of the most in-demand tech skills in South Africa centre on data analysis and cloud computing. Cloud computing specialists and data scientists are some of the most well-paid jobs currently available in South Africa.
Data analytics and data science skills are essential for organisations to understand their data and identify the trends that will impact the products and services they deliver for their customers. Additionally, Salesforce Administration and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud platforms are dominating business environments the world over.
World-class training programmes available at no cost
At the forefront of the rapid transformation happening in the tech-education space, career accelerator ALX has announced five new training courses equipping graduates with the most globally in-demand tech skills.
These are considered some of the most expensive skills to obtain in the most in-demand skills globally. The value of these courses range between R135 000 and R700 000, however, ALX is bridging the affordability gap by offering access to these programmes to eligible candidates at no cost, thanks to their partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
“ALX courses are developed to give South Africans an opportunity to prepare, launch and grow their careers in tech, providing job-relevant training that addresses the current skills shortage and providing students with the in-demand, practical skills to succeed in the workplace,” says Divesh Sooka, General Manager of ALX South Africa.
The courses are as follows:
1. Data Analytics – six-month full-time course
Data analysts play a vital role in enhancing a company's performance. They analyse the vast amounts of data gathered in modern businesses, identifying trends and patterns that can help businesses make informed decisions.
2. Data Science – 14-month full-time course
Data science is one of the most in-demand jobs of the last two decades. Data scientists not only analyse data but also develop algorithms and predictive models to provide valuable insights for businesses. They delve deeper into data, identifying hidden patterns and trends, and present their findings to drive strategic decision-making.
3. Salesforce Administrator – seven-month full-time course
Salesforce is a leading cloud-based sales and customer relationship management solution. A salesforce administrator makes sure that businesses can effectively utilise this powerful tool to manage customer interactions, streamline sales processes and improve overall efficiency.
4. AWS Cloud Practitioner – seven-month full-time course
As more and more companies adopt cloud services, there’s huge demand for people with cloud computing skills, which LinkedIn recognised as the most in-demand skills in the tech market. This programme teaches students how to effectively harness the power of AWS, ensuring they stay current with cloud innovation and meet the needs of companies seeking cloud-savvy professionals.
5. Software Engineering – 15-month full-time course
A software engineer is a professional who combines engineering principles and programming skills to create innovative solutions for modern challenges. They design, develop and maintain software systems that help companies tackle complex problems in today's ever-evolving technological landscape. As a software engineer, young students will learn the necessary skills to become tech innovators and valuable assets in the workforce, addressing real-world issues with efficient and creative solutions.
“ALX is committed to providing students with a completely integrated approach to training, also developing soft skills for the workplace that help our students build successful careers. We want our students to develop as well-rounded tech professionals who are equipped with both the technical proficiencies and soft skills that will enable them to thrive in the future of work,” says Sooka.
The courses are exclusively available in Johannesburg and use a hybrid learning format, which sees students studying online and in class.
Interested candidates don’t need any previous experience or background in IT and can apply or find out more at www.alxafrica.com.
Registrations for the Software Engineering programme close on 10 April 2023 and on 17 April 2023 for the other programmes – there’s no time to waste!
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